Arthur Anderson was a native Texan, as was his father James Anderson. During World War II he held many positions while in the Navy including being assigned to the 31st NCB as the head engineer in 1943. The 31st NCB was attached to the Fifth Marine Division and with the Marines he landed on Iwo Jima on D-day in 1945. While on Iwo Jima Anderson's section surveyed and designed three airstrips, occupation facilities and the road to the summit of Mount Suribachi. He is the designer and builder of the Mount Suribachi flag raising monument that marks the famous event. In addition, while on the island, he completed a comprehensive survey and report of the Japanese cave systems of Iwo Jima.

Returning to Austin, Texas after the war he continued to be involved with the United State Navy and was, in 1965, appointed as commanding officer of Naval Reserve Construction Battalion, Division 8-12 in Austin.

In civilian life Anderson was a design engineer for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). He started working for LCRA in 1938 and as a long-time employee was involved in everything from designing dams for the Colorado River to designing plaques and busts for display purposes. In the 1940s Anderson also served as the Commander of the Junior Naval Militia of Austin, a non-sectarian, non-governmental, non-political patriotic organization for boys.

Anderson died in 1991.

Scope and Contents

This small (.2 linear feet) collection contains examples of Anderson's commercial artwork and photography as well as materials that highlight his involvement in the Junior Naval Militia of Austin and the Austin chapter of The Retired Officers Association (TROA). Included are brochures that highlight his design work and/or photography for local organizations and businesses such as the Junior Helping Hand, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), City of Austin, Austin Chamber of Commerce, Highland Lakes Development Association, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas Fine Arts Association, and St. David's Hospital. The collection also contains photographs, negatives and contact sheets that include aerial photographs of Palmer Auditorium and downtown Austin as well as photos of Lyndon Baines Johnson at the Austin Municipal Airport dedication and Episcopal churches in Austin.

The Junior Naval Militia folder contains correspondence and a newspaper clipping pertaining to the campaign of salvaging waste paper in 1941 as well as photographs and mock up for a newsletter and handbook created by Anderson. The Retired Officers Association, Austin chapter materials include information bulletins and membership directories dated 1977-1980.